Chemical Properties
Barium azide is a flammable, crystalline solid
which can be used or transported in solution.
General Description
A slurry of white crystals. When dry, a high explosive that easily ignited and quick to burn vigorously. Wetting reduces sensitivity to shock and heat. Generates toxic oxides of nitrogen when burned.
Reactivity Profile
BARIUM AZIDE, WETTED WITH NOT LESS THAN 50% WATER(18810-58-7) is a suspension or slurry of of an unstable solid in sufficient water to allow safe shipping and handling. May explode if allowed to dry out and then heated or shocked. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong reducing agents.
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Soluble in water.
Hazard
Explodes when shocked or heated.
Health Hazard
Some are toxic and may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.
Potential Exposure
Barium Azide is used in high
explosives.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,
begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including
resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a Medical
facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical
attention. Give large quantities of water and induce
340 Barium Azide
vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit. If
weakness or fainting is present, lay the person down flat
with feet elevated. See also First Aid section in “Barium”
entry.
Shipping
UN1571 Barium azide wetted with not ,50%
water, by mass, Hazard Class: 4.1; Labels: 4.1—Flammable
solid, 6.1—Poisonous materials. UN0224 Barium Azide dry
or wetted with ,50% water, by mass, Hazard Class: 1.1A;
Labels: 1.1A—Explosive (with a mass explosion hazard);
A—Substances which are expected to mass detonate very
soon after fire reaches them. Packing Group 1.
Incompatibilities
Carbon disulfide. It can explode when
heated or shocked.
Description
Barium azide, is a crystalline solid with not less than 50% water by mass that explodes when shocked or heated. Barium azide decomposes and gives off nitrogen at 240°F (115.5°C) and is soluble in water. The four-digit UN identification number for barium azide is 1571. Its primary use is in high explosives.
Physical properties
Colorless monoclinic crystal; density 2.936 g/cm3; decomposes at 120°C; soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol.
Preparation
Barium azide may be prepared by reacting sodium azide with a soluble barium salt. The solution is concentrated to allow crystals grow. Crystals will explode if fully dried, or subject to friction. Product should be stored damp with ethanol.
storage
Color Code—Red Stripe: Flammability Hazard:Do not store in the same area as other flammable materials.Barium azide must be stored to avoid contact with carbondisulfide since violent reactions occur. Store in tightlyclosed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area from anything which could disturb or shock barium azide. Sourcesof ignition, such as smoking and open flames are prohibitedwhere barium azide is handled, used, or stored. Keepingbarium azide wet greatly reduces its fire and explosion hazard. Wherever barium azide is used, handled, manufactured,or stored, use explosion-proof electrical equipment andfittings.
